As we head towards Labor Day, you’ve either already started back at school OR you’ve begun sports practice with a school start right around the corner. It’s time for a re-cap on what you need to know to both try to prevent a concussion and how to react should one happen. It’s important knowledge to have, and we’re happy to provide the refresher!

• Make sure you have the most up-to-date protective head gear, even if it means working with your school or University on a fundraiser or an alumni outreach to raise money. There are some terrific helmets that really make a difference, and if you’re playing a contact sport, you should have one. This goes for bicycle/skating helmets as well. You’re investing in your safety and your future!

• See – and suggest – if your school provides baseline pre-season neurological testing. If they do not, it may be worth paying for on your own before your season begins.

• There’s nothing embarrassing about hitting your head, falling, or crashing in to someone. If you feel dizzy, nauseous or unsteady, PLEASE tell someone. It’s really, really important for you to get help right away. Early intervention is critical to your recovery.

• Beside telling your coach, please go home and tell your parents or another adult. Sometimes symptoms occur a day or two later. Even if you think it’s nothing at all, you should probably see a doctor just to make sure.

• Be mindful enough to sit out until you get an ‘all clear’ from a doctor. You may feel better, and be excited to get back in to the game, but your brain could require extra time to heal properly. Many researchers say that a second concussion happens more easily then a first one since you’ve already been concussed. The worst thing you could do is not give your head a chance to recover.

• Parents – know who your children’s coach is and have an open dialogue with him or her about what they know about concussion prevention, and if the school has provided any training for them. Even if you have to be specific about YOUR needs, make sure they know that you want your child pulled from the game immediately if they sustain a head injury and you, or an emergency contact, must receive a phone call.